November in the garden
November marks the transition into winter, with shorter days, colder temperatures, and increasingly unsettled weather. While growth slows considerably, this is far from a dormant month for gardeners. November offers excellent opportunities for planting, maintenance, and preparation that will benefit your garden throughout winter and into next spring. Here are the essential tasks for this month:
1. Plant Bare-Root Trees, Shrubs, and Hedging
November is prime time for planting bare-root stock whilst plants are fully dormant. Plant fruit trees, roses, hedging, and deciduous shrubs during mild, dry spells when soil remains workable. Bare-root plants establish excellently through winter, developing strong root systems ready for vigorous spring growth. Visit our nurseries for quality bare-root specimens at excellent value. Improve planting holes with quality topsoil and stake trees securely.
2. Continue Lawn Care and Winter Preparation
Give lawns a final cut if grass continues growing, raising mower blades to winter height. Brush off fallen leaves regularly to prevent lawn damage and disease. Repair worn edges and fill hollows with our quality topsoil mixed with sand. For areas requiring complete renovation, November-laid turf can still establish in mild conditions, though monitor weather forecasts carefully and avoid laying during freezing conditions or on waterlogged ground.
3. Complete Bulb Planting for Spring Displays
Finish planting any remaining spring bulbs before ground becomes too cold or waterlogged. Tulips planted in November often perform better than earlier plantings, with reduced disease risk. Plant bulbs in containers for forcing indoors or creating portable spring displays. Our remaining bulb stock offers excellent value for late planting, and most varieties will still perform well if planted this month.
4. Protect Plants and Structures from Winter Weather
Insulate outdoor containers with bubble wrap or hessian to protect roots from freezing. Move tender plants to frost-free locations, and apply thick mulches around borderline-hardy plants. Check tree stakes and ties, repair fences and structures before winter storms, and ensure gutters and drains are clear of autumn debris. Proper protection now prevents winter damage.
5. Manage Falling Leaves and Create Compost
Continue collecting fallen leaves for leaf mould production. Clear leaves from lawns, ponds, and paths, but consider leaving some in borders as natural mulch and wildlife habitat. Add autumn debris to compost heaps, layering green and brown materials. Shred woody material to speed decomposition. Well-managed compost heaps provide valuable soil improver for next season.
6. Design and Install Hardscape Features
November’s cooler, drier periods are ideal for major landscape construction. Create pathways, patios, or gravel gardens using our extensive range of decorative aggregates. These projects are easier in cooler weather and allow features to settle before spring planting begins. Consider installing raised beds, edging, or defining garden areas with our gravels whilst plants are dormant and garden structure is clearly visible.
7. Prune Dormant Trees and Shrubs
Begin winter pruning of deciduous trees and shrubs once leaves have fallen and plants are fully dormant. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve structure and airflow. Prune apple and pear trees, wisteria, and roses during mild spells. Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs which should be left until after blooming. Clear prunings and compost healthy material.
8. Prepare Soil for Next Season
Dig over heavy clay soils, leaving rough clods for winter frosts to break down naturally. Spread well-rotted manure or compost over vegetable beds, or improve problem areas with our quality topsoil. Avoid working waterlogged soil which damages structure. November soil preparation creates excellent growing conditions for next year whilst keeping gardens productive during quieter months.
9. Plant Winter Bedding and Evergreens
Complete winter bedding displays with hardy pansies, primulas, and evergreen foliage plants. Plant evergreen shrubs and conifers which establish well in November’s cooler conditions. These plants provide essential winter garden structure whilst creating backdrops for spring bulbs and summer displays.
10. Maintain Tools and Plan Ahead
Use quieter gardening periods to clean, sharpen, and oil tools. Service mowers and power equipment before winter storage. Wash and disinfect pots and seed trays ready for next season. Plan next year’s garden, order seed catalogues, and consider crop rotation for vegetable plots. Time invested in planning and maintenance now ensures smooth, productive gardening next spring.
November weather: November typically brings increasingly cold, wet, and windy conditions across the UK. First frosts become regular in most areas, with occasional cold snaps. Work during mild, dry spells when soil is workable, and avoid compacting wet ground. Be prepared to abandon outdoor tasks when weather deteriorates suddenly.
Visit our gardening centre throughout November for bare-root plants, remaining spring bulbs, winter bedding, quality topsoils, and decorative gravels. Our knowledgeable team can advise on winter planting, soil improvement, and garden preparation ensuring your outdoor space remains attractive through winter whilst being perfectly positioned for successful spring growth.